APC Seeks Probe of Clash between Protesting Groups
Following last Monday’s clash between pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) and some civil society organisations demanding the release of the convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, other detainees, Agba Jalingo and Dadiyata, the ruling party has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure adequate actions are taken against anyone found to have overstepped his bounds
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had gathered at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office in Maitama, Abuja, to present a letter to the chairman of the Commission when the miscreants allegedly invaded the venue and attacked the protesters.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued yesterday condemned the attack, saying the party recognises the inalienable rights of people, groups, including political parties, to gather or carry out protest by themselves or through proxies within the ambit of the laws.
He stressed that the party does not subscribe to a situation where such protests would become chaotic or different protesting groups would turn against one another, causing avoidable injuries.
The party spokesman noted that such is clearly unacceptable to the laws and it is against the principled stance of the federal government.
According to him, “As in the case of the unfortunate clash between protesters and some people last Monday, while commending the police for the prompt intervention of its men on ground, we call for thorough investigation of the incident to ensure adequate actions are taken against anyone found to have overstepped his bounds.”
Issa-Onilu stressed that while the party recognises the fundamental liberties of citizens to freely express their views through lawful means, the APC-led government cannot allow excesses and irresponsible acts, adding that no group or individual has the right to torment the public or display any act of intolerance to other people’s views.
He stated: “We note with dismay the attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters who try to deceive the public by hiding under various names such as civil society groups, human rights activists and constitutional lawyers to link our government to a dastardly act as witnessed last Monday.